East Greenland – an awesome wilderness

The extent of the Denmark Strait sea-ice reached a record
high this past summer and it looked like we wouldn´t be able to reach the coast
of Greenland as planned. Fortunately the ice cleared enough and we were able to
sail out of Ísafjörður harbour with a group of enthusiastic explorers on July
29th.

Before long we were reaching under full sails, heading
towards Greenland at a speed of 10-12 knots. We had planned to start our
expedition in Nansen Fjord but it was packed full of ice so landfall was in one
of our favourite spots in the magnificent Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord. This is one of
the most spectacular areas in the Arctic with views of towering mountains and
immense ice-filled tributary fjords. Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord is a region of
Greenland that only a few hardy adventurers in the annals of Arctic exploration
have ever deigned to challenge but one that we have studied and explored for
many years. 
 

Soon after Aurora was safely anchored in Suhaili Bay, the
group took to the kayaks to explore the vicinity. After only half an hour of
paddling on the calm waters, they came across a young polar bear swimming in
the sea. Watching in awe as this magnificent animal climbed out of the water
and onto an iceberg, the bear then retreated to a nearby island.
 

We spent a few fantastic days exploring the surrounding area
onboard Aurora, kayaking the tranquil waters and hiking in the hills and
mountains. We continued south along the coast, which the British Admiralty has
quoted ‘as the most difficult in Greenland’. Visiting some of our favourite,
sheltered anchorages and hiking and kayaking en route.  After two weeks of
outstanding adventure we arrived in the village of Kulusuk where our guests
left us for their flights back home.
 

In 2013 we are planning one trip on this exclusive
expedition to the ‘Forbidden Coast’ and only nine seats will be available.
Please don´t wait too long to secure your seat.
 

From the end of August to mid September 2013, we are
running two week-long tours in the Ammassalik area. We call this expedition
‘Arctic Fjordscapes’. The trip is suitable for anyone interested in
experiencing the magic of late summer in Greenland onboard our expedition
sailing yacht the Aurora. We combine visits to the local villages alongside
easy activities such as hiking and kayaking. This is early autumn and the northern
lights will surely light up the night sky for us as we anchor in secluded
coves. The two trips both start and conclude in the village of Kulusuk where
the small airport offers domestic and international flights.